Human Resources

Lake Forest College invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor of Psychology & Neuroscience to begin August 2024. We seek a Ph.D. level experimental scientist with expertise in psychology and behavioral neuroscience, broadly construed. As indicated in the title, this is a joint appointment in the Psychology Department and the Neuroscience Program. 

Candidates should have broad training in psychology and behavioral neuroscience, demonstrated excellence in teaching at the undergraduate level, and evidence of scholarly productivity commensurate with experience. Applicants should expect to teach three undergraduate courses per semester (i.e., a 3:3 load). Candidates will contribute to fundamental courses in psychology and neuroscience, including a core course in behavioral neuroscience (i.e., Neuroscience: Brain to Behavior with Lab), a senior seminar in their area of expertise, cross-listed courses in psychology and neuroscience, and introductory level courses and labs (e.g., Intro to Psychological Science Labs; First-Year Studies seminar). 

Our curriculum is focused on psychological science and neuroscience, with heavy emphasis on research design, analysis, and interpretation of research, and is designed to strengthen scientific inquiry and critical thinking skills. We attract high quality students and provide them with excellent outcomes (e.g., 60% of our psychology majors and neuroscience majors have gone on to graduate school over the last 20 years). We place high value on faculty-student interactions both in the classroom and in the laboratory. An ideal candidate will demonstrate a clear understanding of teaching and research at a liberal arts institution. 

At Lake Forest College, the quality of a faculty member’s teaching is the most important criterion for evaluation, but an active research program is also important. Candidates will be expected to develop an active research program leading to publication with undergraduates in peer-reviewed journals. Lab space (including a vivarium, if necessary) in a new science center and research start-up funds will be provided. Importantly, an ideal candidate must show how their research can be successful within the constraints of a small, liberal arts college. Candidates who pass third-year review will earn a half-year sabbatical at full pay in preparation for tenure review. We are part of a thriving Chicago area neuroscience community of educators and researchers, and our college enjoys a strong institutional partnership with Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science with easy access to their core scientific research and equipment facilities. 

A highly selective liberal arts college located on Chicago’s North Shore, Lake Forest College enrolls approximately 1,700 students from more than 40 states and from more than 100 countries. Lake Forest is one of the most diverse small colleges in the Midwest with nearly 40% of our student body comprised of domestic students of color and international students. The majority of our STEM pool is female and also includes a significant number of first generation and traditionally underrepresented students. Lake Forest College embraces diversity and encourages applications from women, members of historically underrepresented groups, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. Lake Forest College has been recognized as a top college by U.S. News & World Report, including #2 in the nation for Social Mobility and #16 as a Best Value College. Princeton Review ranks the College #4 for best science lab facilities, among other top distinctions. 

In a single PDF, please send the following: 1) a cover letter that describes your motivation for applying to Lake Forest College and explains how a liberal arts environment dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion aligns with your teaching philosophy, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) teaching statement, 4) research statement, 5) sample syllabi and evidence of teaching effectiveness, and 6) representative (p)reprints. All application materials and three letters of reference should be sent to the Search Co-Chairs: Dr. Shubhik DebBurman & Dr. Matthew Kelley at this email address: psychneurosearch@lakeforest.edu 

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled but must be received by September 17, 2023, to be assured full consideration.